Thurs.’s Devo - The Oil of Gladness

Read: Lam. 2:20-3:66; Hebrews 1:1-14: Ps. 102:1-28; Pr. 26:21-22 One of my favorite scriptures is “The compassion of the Lord never ceases, they are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” But, I never knew the context until today. Jeremiah is saying it at a time where the enemy has come and destroyed his city, the temple, his government and taken away all his friends and family. In the midst of all this Jeremiah says he has hope because the Lord is good to those who wait for him and seek him. May we say the same thing when the time comes. I love Hebrews! I started memorizing the book of Hebrews years ago and got to the 5th chapter. Every time I read it or quote it something new stands out. Today it was the “oil of gladness” in verse 9 that God anointed Jesus with. It is a direct quote from Ps. 45:7. The word “gladness” means “exultation; specially, welcome - exceeding joy”. “Oil” speaks of the Holy Spirit so this anointing is a welcome joy to the whole earth. Jesus came at a time when the Jews were under the rule of the Roman Empire. Things were oppressive and hard for God’s people. From the midst of their oppression and poverty there was a cry in the wilderness to prepare the way for the Lord. The Messiah came with a message of joy and hope and rest. Jesus will come again with that same promise. Then He will fold up the earth like the garment he wore that was folded in the tomb. Then he will proclaim once again that, “It is finished.” Lord, may we be anointed with that same oil of gladness as we hope for your return.